Irritable Bowel Syndrome


Does irritable bowel syndrome cause stomach discomfort?
Patients with irritable bowel syndrome may experience stomach discomfort, as irritable bowel syndrome may be a type of functional dyspepsia. Therefore, patients with functional dyspepsia may experience stomach discomfort, which manifests as bloating, early satiety, belching, acid reflux, heartburn, etc. Once patients experience stomach discomfort, it is recommended to visit the gastroenterology department of a reputable hospital as soon as possible to complete a gastroscopic examination and a carbon-13 breath test, as well as to check for Helicobacter pylori. When necessary, targeted symptomatic treatment should be conducted.


Does pressing on the stomach hurt with Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Whether pressing on the abdomen causes pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) depends on the specific circumstances. If an IBS patient experiences abdominal pain due to intestinal spasms, pressing on the abdomen may relieve the pain. If an IBS patient does not have abdominal pain and deeply presses on the abdomen, it may cause abdominal pain. IBS patients should eat light, easily digestible foods and avoid spicy and irritating foods. They should quit smoking and drinking, avoid drinking strong tea and coffee, and also need to use some medications to regulate the intestinal flora for treatment.


Does irritable bowel syndrome cause sensitivity to cold?
Irritable bowel syndrome may cause symptoms of feeling cold. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome are greatly influenced by emotions. If a patient is overly tense or anxious, it may lead to a sensation of feeling cold, although there may be no actual drop in body temperature or external temperature. Sometimes, patients with irritable bowel syndrome may need to use anti-anxiety medications for treatment, such as fluoxetine, buspirone, etc. It is also crucial to pay close attention to dietary adjustments, avoiding spicy, irritating, and cold foods, ensuring regular meals, and consuming easily digestible foods. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)


Can people with irritable bowel syndrome eat pomegranates?
Patients with irritable bowel syndrome can eat pomegranates. Patients should consume more fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and fiber, and pomegranates are included in this category and are safe to eat. However, patients with irritable bowel syndrome should avoid spicy and stimulating foods, as well as foods that are overly acidic, overly spicy, overly salty, overly hot, and rough. Pomegranates do not fall into these categories, so patients with irritable bowel syndrome can eat them normally, but they should not overindulge or eat too much, and should consume them in moderation.


Will carcinoembryonic antigen increase in irritable bowel syndrome?
Generally speaking, patients with irritable bowel syndrome do not experience an increase in carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels. An increase in CEA levels suggests the possibility of adenocarcinoma or precursor lesions of adenocarcinoma, which may not only be present in the intestines but also in the lungs and other tissues. In theory, tumor markers for patients with irritable bowel syndrome should be within the normal range. Once an increase in tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen is observed, it is crucial to be highly vigilant about the possibility of adenocarcinoma, and it is necessary to actively complete related auxiliary tests, such as electronic colonoscopy, abdominal CT, chest CT, among others.


How to alleviate bloating in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome who experience bloating may consider taking oral prokinetic drugs such as mosapride or itopride for treatment. They could also take digestive aids like compound azintamide or compound digestive enzymes to aid digestion. Additionally, medications that regulate the intestinal flora, such as Bacillus clausii, could be considered for treatment. Of course, the specific choice of medication as well as the dosage should be based on the main clinical symptoms. Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome should eat a light diet, eat regularly and in measured amounts, and consume foods that are easy to digest.